The Hitachi RB24EAP is a compact gas-powered leaf blower. Weighing only 8.6 pounds, this machine is light enough for most people to use around the yard. The two-stroke engine has a power displacement of 23.9 cubic centimeters. This blower is compact, but it pushes 441 cubic feet of air through its tapered nozzle. The air from this nozzle moves at a velocity of 170 mph. This is a low speed compared to other models like it, but a small blower works best for a small yard.

Noise level is a serious issue for leaf blowers, including the Hitachi RB24EAP. When we measured the Hitachi's noise level, the leaf blower hit 96.7 decibels, about the same noise level as the average lawn mower. Prolonged noises over 95 decibels can damage your hearing if you don't use earplugs or earmuffs.

We were surprised to see this blower packaged without instructions. This made testing difficult. Thankfully, this leaf blower is light, basic and easy to maneuver. The Hitachi gas-powered leaf blower blew our test debris 18 feet in 16.54 seconds. The lightweight body of this Hitachi contributes to its easy handling. When you need to put the blower down, it has an auto-return switch that resets ON button so the blower starts quickly when you return.

While we weren't happy about the missing owner's manual, the seven-year consumer warranty is admittedly impressive. Like most warranties, any negligence, improper use or incorrect fuel mixture voids this agreement. In terms of other support, you can check the website's FAQs section or contact Hitachi by phone or email.

This model sports a low emission engine with a fuel tank capacity of 17.6 fluid ounces. Like many similar gas-powered leaf blowers, this Hitachi model has specific needs for the type of fuel it uses. Before running the machine, be sure you've used a proper 50:1 ratio mix of oil to gas. The Hitachi manual recommends you use 89-octane gasoline, a mix found at almost any local gas station.

Unfortunately, eco-friendly ethanol isn't compatible with this yard tool. However, there are measures the company has taken to reduce pollution. This Hitachi model is CARB Tier 3 Compliant. While that doesn't mean this leaf blower doesn't produce emissions, it complies with EPA standards to limit hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in the air.

Hitachi Summary:

5.7/10

The Hitachi RB24EAP is compact and easy to carry. Its lightweight body and shoulder strap help you maneuver around your yard easily. However, this gas-powered leaf blower doesn't blow over other products in the lineup. In our tests, it produced acceptable results if you have a small yard, but it might not be as useful if you have a large yard. In addition, it's loud and simplistic, but the long warranty attached to this model is useful.

Hitachi RB24EAP

This lightweight, gas-powered leaf produces adequate results if you have a small yard. It's noisy and only has basic features, but there is excellent support and a long warranty attached to this model.